The Mercantile Bank Foundation
Preselected recipients only
The Mercantile Bank Foundation is a private foundation in Grand Rapids, Michigan. In tax year 2025 it gave $310,550 in 139 grants; the typical grant was $1,000 and the largest $25,000. It only gives to organizations it selects itself and does not accept unsolicited applications.
From its IRS Form 990-PF for tax year 2025.
- Grants paid, 2025$310,550
- Number of grants139
- Typical grant$1,000
- Largest grant$25,000
- Assets$9.8 million
- New grantees80%
Giving in 2025 was up from $141,850 the year before.
80% of its 2025 grantees had not received a grant from it the year before, a sign it is open to new organizations.
Giving by year
| Tax year | Grants paid | Number of grants | Assets |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | $517,820 | 161 | $5.8 million |
| 2024 | $141,850 | 51 | $7.9 million |
| 2025 | $310,550 | 139 | $9.8 million |
How to apply
The Mercantile Bank Foundation says in its IRS filing that it only makes contributions to preselected organizations, so unsolicited applications are unlikely to be considered. Organizations it funds are usually invited.
What The Mercantile Bank Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 4 states, the most to Michigan.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Michigan | 136 | $309,050 |
| Maryland | 1 | $500 |
| Texas | 1 | $500 |
| Virginia | 1 | $500 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Mel Trotter Ministries | Immeasurably more tiny home campaign - general support | $25,000 |
| American Heart Association | Funding for small-scale. | $23,000 |
| Habitat for Humanity of Kent County | Imagine campaign - general support | $20,500 |
| BBB Educational Foundation | 2025 program sponsorship | $10,000 |
| Cherry Health Foundation | Health leader sponsorship | $10,000 |
| Mount Pleasant Area Community Foundation | 2025 gold sponsor | $8,300 |
| Hispanic Center of Western Michigan | Hispanic festival sponsor - general support | $8,000 |
| Grand Rapids Community College Foundation | Support student scholarships and grants | $5,000 |
| NMC Foundation | Support financial education and the arts in the community | $5,000 |
| Grand Rapids Symphony | General support | $5,000 |
| West Michigan Asian American Association | General support | $5,000 |
| Junior League of Grand Rapids | General support | $5,000 |
| Gerald R Ford Foundation | General support | $5,000 |
| Grand Rapids Christian Schools | General support | $5,000 |
| Community Homeworks | Safe start support - general support | $5,000 |
| Kalamazoo Loaves & Fishes | Grocery pantry program - general support | $5,000 |
| Blandford Nature Center | Annual fund | $5,000 |
| Bethany Christian Services | Program sponsorships | $5,000 |
| Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southwest Mi | Gold plus sponsor | $4,000 |
| Project Green | General support | $3,500 |
| Starlight Ministries | Grief support | $3,500 |
| North End Community Ministry | Providing practical assistance donation | $3,500 |
| Grand Rapids African American Health Institute | General support | $3,000 |
| Baxter Community Center | General support | $3,000 |
| Community Food Club | General support | $3,000 |
| Grand Rapids Public Schools Foundation | Mindshare sponsorship - general support | $3,000 |
| Alano Club of Kent County | General support | $3,000 |
| Western Michigan University Foundation | Sosw innovation endowment fund - general support | $3,000 |
| Saginaw Future | Economic development and growth | $2,500 |
| Uhy Cares | General support | $2,500 |
| American Red Cross | Board pledge southeast michigan | $2,500 |
| Lydia's Gate | General support | $2,500 |
| Heart of West Michigan United Way | General support | $2,500 |
| Michigan Casa Inc | General support | $2,500 |
| Turning Point Inc | Empower servivors of domestic and sexual violence | $2,500 |
| Arc-Kent County | General support | $2,500 |
| Hospice of Michigan | General support | $2,500 |
| Senior Neighbors | General support | $2,500 |
| Youth for Christ | Banquet sponsorship | $2,500 |
| Kids Food Basket | General support | $2,500 |
Officers and trustees
- Charles Christmas
- Ray Reitsma
- Scott Setlock
- Doug Holtrop
- Justin Karl
- Tara Randall
- Janina Kreider
Questions people ask
Does The Mercantile Bank Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does The Mercantile Bank Foundation give?
$310,550 in tax year 2025, across 139 grants, with a typical grant of $1,000.
Who runs The Mercantile Bank Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists Charles Christmas (Treasurer), Ray Reitsma (President), Scott Setlock (Secretary) and Doug Holtrop (Director) among 7 officers and trustees.
What does The Mercantile Bank Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly faith communities, health and education.